Synonym Chooser

How does the verb contravene differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of contravene are contradict, deny, and gainsay. While all these words mean "to refuse to accept as true or valid," contravene implies not so much an intentional opposition as some inherent incompatibility.

laws that contravene tradition

When is it sensible to use contradict instead of contravene?

While in some cases nearly identical to contravene, contradict implies an open or flat denial.

her account contradicts his

When can deny be used instead of contravene?

The words deny and contravene can be used in similar contexts, but deny implies a firm refusal to accept as true, to grant or concede, or to acknowledge the existence or claims of.

denied the charges

In what contexts can gainsay take the place of contravene?

The words gainsay and contravene are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, gainsay implies disputing the truth of what another has said.

no one can gainsay her claims

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of contravene The first phase was not smooth, with accusations by each side that the other was contravening the agreement. Ibrahim Dahman, CNN, 1 Mar. 2025 Its attempt to designate Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins as acting special counsel was not an effort to contravene the lower court’s prohibition on recognizing a different special counsel because this was merely signaling who would take over if Dellinger was out (an inane argument). New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 18 Feb. 2025 And in a matter of days—and contravening laws and budgets passed by Congress—the Trump Administration has attempted not simply to redirect U.S.A.I.D.’s policy but to gut the agency’s capacity. Atul Gawande, The New Yorker, 29 Jan. 2025 And when Chadian President Idriss Déby died and his son Mahamat seized power in 2021, clearly contravening the country’s constitutional order, the United States chose not to risk jeopardizing its security relationship with Chad by declaring the move a coup. Jon Temin, Foreign Affairs, 27 Mar. 2023 See All Example Sentences for contravene
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contravene
violate
Verb
  • Last week a federal appeals court upheld Sessions’ order to bring Ozturk back to New England for hearings to determine whether her constitutional rights, including free speech and due process, were violated, as her lawyers argue.
    Rodrique Ngowi, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2025
  • That was when the makers, Epic Games, included a direct payment option into the app, which violated Apple’s rules.
    David Phelan, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Contravene.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contravene. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on contravene

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!